Thea Jorgensen

Thea Jorgensen is passionate about fitness and about helping others. Two years ago, she combined those passions to start Thea Ward Fitness, a private training studio in Bismarck. Although her business is still young, she’s already being recognized for her work. This summer, Thea was awarded one of two North Dakota SCORE and Sam’s Club American Small Business Challenge Awards. She was also a winner of the Kidd Kraddick and Studio Movie Grill’s Real Super Heroes Award. Thea was one of 12 winners chosen from more than 800 women nominated for the award.

“It was incredible listening to the other women talk about their businesses. It definitely renewed my passion for what I’m doing. The biggest thing about both awards is they’re not based on how much money I made, but rather on the impact I’ve made on my community,” says Thea. “At one point in my life, I weighed nearly 250 pounds. I’m only 4’11” tall. After getting out of an abusive relationship I was able to lose 120 pounds and keep that off for a number of years. I enlisted in the National Guard at age 27 and came home in the best shape of my life, only to start gaining weight again. I was diagnosed with a thyroid disorder called Hashimoto’s as well as a generalized anxiety disorder and clinical depression. All of this makes me and my business unique and also gives me the ability to help others in a way not everyone can. I don’t believe in quick fixes, but in life-long changes.”

Learn more about Thea on her website, theawardfitness.com.